PC card M.2 3042 Key B+M – bundle for Simatic IPC

Multiprotocol connectivity for your Siemens SIMATIC IPCs

Today‘s world of industrial automation is characterized by a very heterogeneous communication landscape. This results in machines and production systems being connected via different network standards, which presents a major challenge. The cooperation between Siemens and Hilscher provides users of SIMATIC IPCs with flexible access to all common fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet systems.

This enables them to respond to complex requirements across all industries and applications.
The integration of the additional network interface is very simple: Hilscher and Siemens offer a bundle consisting of a cifX PC Card in a compact M.2 format and a suitable front panel for the box or panel PC. This simplifies integration for the user down to merely plugging it in and tightening screws.

The cifX PC Cards are based on Hilscher‘s own netX chip technology. It enables the integration of all relevant fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet networks with only one hardware platform. Users benefit from unified device drivers, a configuration tool and a universal API across all protocols. With this scalable platform, users can integrate all common automation protocols into their applications — both as
controllers and as devices

The cifX PC card family is the unified standard supporting all Real-Time Ethernet and Fieldbus systems for PC based automation.

The protocol stack is executed autonomously on the PC card and process data exchange with the host is done via Dual-Port-Memory or DMA (Direct Memory Access). Thanks to the common Hilscher Platform Strategy all PC cards use the same driver and tools – independent of protocol and card format. Thanks to the netX technology there is exactly one hardware needed for the realization of all Real-Time Ethernet protocols. A change of the communication protocol is done by just loading a different firmware.

Always the right solution! Different cable lengths, M-12 connectors, additional NVRAM, extended temperature range, 2-channel cards or detached network interfaces – numerous hardware options always offer the right solution for your application. On top, a wide range of device drivers and a C-Toolkit, free of charge, are available.

The PC based automation is evolving and the Hilscher cifX PC card family keeps the pace. With continuous expansion for new standards, protocols and formats, as M.2, mini PCIe halfsize or CC-Link IE Field, customers are always prepared for new market demands.